Alaska’s new aces

That was my trade. That was my decision and the coaching staff’s decision. I really feel that that trade is gonna help us.

ALASKA trades top guard Chris Banchero for a pair of role players. ROMAN PROSPERO

Alaska head coach Jeffrey Cariaso admitted it was tough losing the team’s top point guard in Chris Banchero.

But the Aces’ acquisition of Robbie Herndon and Rodney Brondial will help the team’s cause in the long run.

As the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) finally approved the trade that sent Banchero to Magnolia, Cariaso said the move was initiated by his coaching staff as they thought it will make the team better.

“That was my trade. That was my decision and the coaching staff’s decision. I really feel that that trade is gonna help us. I really feel that the parts that we need the two will fit in perfectly on what we need. To get something you have to give up something,” Cariaso said.

“Is this a risk? Yes. Because CB (Chris Banchero) is a really good player. We’re giving up a good player but the two player may not be playing much lately but we know that they’re going to be a part of the team and the core that I want,” he added.

Alaska is currently fighting for a slot in the quarterfinal stage of the Governors’ Cup with a 3-6 win-loss mark.

And many were saying that the Wilfred Uytengsu franchise got the raw end of the deal but Cariaso thought otherwise.

“Not at all. Herndon is a smart, high IQ player. He knows his spots. He doesn’t force anything. He has the ability to stretch the floor. Because you have to close out on him. You need to close out on him,” the former PBA Rookie of the Year said.

“Rodney is someone I know from the beginning. He’s that role player and a banger. That extra big guy that don’t care who he’s up against. He’ll do his best to try to defend. He got good hands, he can finish so a lot of good things with those two guys.” he added.

Banchero is averaging 10 points, 4.8 rebounds and 4.3 assists per fame this conference and will definitely boost the guard rotation of Hotshots mentor Chito Victolero.

“Chris is a really good player. He’s done a lot for us here in Alaska. In all honestly he’s the only one that others want. He’s the only guy that is tradeable for us.” Cariaso said.

“For me to try and bring in the parts that I need sometimes I have to give up something,” he added.